I’ve read several of Jeanette Winterson’s novels, and was excited when her new memoir, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal, came out. I don’t usually buy books in harcover, but I did this time, and I wasn’t disappointed. Winterson’s memior is brilliant.

She was born in Manchester, England in 1959 and adopted at 6 weeks old. She never new who her birth mother was, and always believed she was dead. Her adopted mother was a depressed, religious fanatic and Winterson suffered greatly in her new home.

She tells her story with such wit and humor, that I found myself laughing out loud several times. But this is much more than just another humorous, anecdotal memoir. Winterson plunges into the depths of her own soul in her journey of self discovery with unflinching bravery and honesty.

This is a book that will stay with me for some time. Highly recommended.